The wild chickens are said not to pose a health hazard

Residents claim that each morning at about 0200 BST, the wild chickens in Great Livermere, near Bury St Edmunds, begin their chorus.

They say the noise lasts until dawn and many villagers are fed up with missing out on a good night's sleep.

A meeting to tackle the problem has been arranged, but one council has said there is little it can do unless the birds pose a health threat.

A spokeswoman for St Edmundsbury Borough Council said action could only be taken if the noise problem was very severe or if the flock of chickens proved to be a hazard to health.

Some villagers wanted the chickens re-housed, but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has refused to get involved.

The animal charity says its principles prevent it from removing healthy animals or birds from their familiar environment.

Villagers will meet with Great Livermere parish councillors to discuss the problem on 9 September.